The U.S. Supreme Court on June 30 announced it has rejected a challenge to California's law that bars so-called "ex-gay" therapy for minors.

The justices, in reaching that decision, let stand an appeals court ruling that said California's ban on so-called conversion therapy for minors doesn't violate the free speech rights of licensed counselors and patients seeking treatment.

The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled last year that California lawmakers properly showed that efforts to change sexual orientation were outside the scientific mainstream and have been rejected for good reason.

No professional medical or mental health group supports "ex-gay" therapy, which has been shown to be damaging to people, especially young people.

The right-wing Liberty Counsel, a Christian legal defense fund, challenged the law, along with promoters of the therapy.

New Jersey has similar legislation, which has being challenged in the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. A federal district court judge upheld the ban, but the appeals court will hear arguments on July 9.